Rangers are facing a fine from UEFA following last night's pitch invasion by a political protestor during their 2-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa.

The man sprinted across the pitch wearing a Palestinian flag as a cape and a t-shirt depicting the Pope, before attempting to handcuff himself to the goalposts, in what is believed to be a protest against the visiting Israeli side.

The invasion sparked an angry response from both sets of fans, with the travelling support defiantly waving Israeli flags as the man struggled with stewards and police.

The game was delayed for several minutes in the second half whilst the protestor was removed.

The incident has been recorded in the match report that has arrived at UEFA headquarters.

A UEFA spokesman confirmed: 'This incident has indeed been mentioned in the report, meaning a disciplinary case will be opened.

'A meeting of the disciplinary committee will take place on December 7. A fine would be the likely punishment.'

The irony of Rangers being fined for a Palestinian activist's actions is unlikely to be lost on Gers fans, or their Old Firm rivals Celtic.

The mutual animosity between the two clubs, steeped in ancient religious divisions between the Protestant and Catholic communities in Glasgow, took a surreal twist four years ago.

Celtic supporters began waving Palestinian flags at games as an expression of solidarity against what they view as imperialism, a subject closely linked to their affiliation with the Catholic community in Northern Ireland.